SA VZ-58 5.56

[tinkerer]

Anyone have experience with an SA VZ-58 in 5.56? Reviews, recommendations, etc? How is the reliability? Handling? It uses proprietary magazines, how are they?

In Maryland starting Oct 1 the VZ-58 is about as close to an AK as one can get. Always was interested in a 5.56 AK.

[Benito]

Never owned one, only the 7.62x39 ones. But from what I have seen and read, the 5.56 VZ's seem to be hit or miss, even for just recreational use.

[tinkerer]

Never owned one, only the 7.62x39 ones. But from what I have seen and read, the 5.56 VZ's seem to be hit or miss, even for just recreational use.

Interesting. Would really like to hear from someone who owns a 5.56 VZ before I write the gun off and look at something else.

[Kenneth]

Over in the CZ forums they seem to love them. I haven't shit or owned one but some if the members over there have a lot if experience with them. I hold their opinion pretty high and would not hesitate to pick up a D-Technik from Czechpoint.

[m4brian]

Get the real deal - VZ 58 from CzechPoint. CHF Barrel and total quality receiver. I really enjoy mine. It is a bit lighter and less clunky than an AK, but I cannot say it is softer shooting. It is a unique and simple system. For me, the fixed stock slapped my cheek pretty well, so I bought a folding stock - the normal one. It seems to keep the stock below my cheekbone so it is better. (and very cool). The problem with VZ stocks is that they are slanted downward and upon recoil, the gun rises and hits the cheekbone. The AK stock is straight where the cheek rides, so this is not as pronounced. BUT - they are reliable and pretty accurate. There are rail systems out there for it. The mags are super high quality and lightweight, but you have to be on the lookout. So, the overall system is like a 6720 for the 7.63X39.

[tinkerer]

Get the real deal - VZ 58 from CzechPoint. CHF Barrel and total quality receiver. I really enjoy mine. It is a bit lighter and less clunky than an AK, but I cannot say it is softer shooting. It is a unique and simple system. For me, the fixed stock slapped my cheek pretty well, so I bought a folding stock - the normal one. It seems to keep the stock below my cheekbone so it is better. (and very cool). The problem with VZ stocks is that they are slanted downward and upon recoil, the gun rises and hits the cheekbone. The AK stock is straight where the cheek rides, so this is not as pronounced. BUT - they are reliable and pretty accurate. There are rail systems out there for it. The mags are super high quality and lightweight, but you have to be on the lookout. So, the overall system is like a 6720 for the 7.63X39.

So are you suggesting that one stay away from the 5.56 VZ-58? Stick with 7.62x39 for the VZ-58?

[fdben]

Hello,

I had a 5.56 VZ from Czech Small Arms for about a year. I had two problems with it - a broken firing pin at 10 rounds (not a big deal, but it is a different pin than the 7.62x39 so it is not as easy to source), and mine catastrophically failed the receiver at about 1500 or 1600 rounds.

The failure was attributed to an improper heat treat on the receiver from the factory.

In addition, I was running a gen 1 CSA AR15 mag adapter and had consitent failure to feed (approximately 1 in 10). The rounds would nose dive and push the bullet into the case. I didn't use the factory mags much so I cannot comment on the feed reliability of those.

When mine died I had it replaced by the 7.62x39 version. This gun ran much better - it is the only way to own one in my opinion. I had some bad luck with that gun as well, but the 7.62 version fed 100%. Also, spare parts are way easier to get.

Here is some info on my experience (not sure if I am allowed to hot link here so if not please let me know):

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/911083-VZ58-Issues-The-Saga-Continues!-See-Post-17?highlight=5.56

If you have any questions let me know.

Thanks,

Ben

[youreacrab]

So are you suggesting that one stay away from the 5.56 VZ-58? Stick with 7.62x39 for the VZ-58?

I would stay away. It's just the wrong caliber for the platform and the wrong platform for the caliber. Love them in x39.

[96 SS]

I agree - 7.62 is the way to go.

https://fbcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/1375649_574601605910228_1685121783_n.jpg

[youreacrab]

I agree - 7.62 is the way to go.

https://fbcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/1375649_574601605910228_1685121783_n.jpg

Nice setup. What is the optic mounted to? Looks much lower than the CSA side mount.

[96 SS]

Our new VZ-304 lower for the AK-300 modular side mount family.

In the pic it is paired with a prototype RS AKOG SRM and TA26